New Obama Ad Addresses Americans Directly on the Economy

This morning, Barack Obama's campaign released a new, long (two-minute) advertisement with the candidate speaking directly to Americans about the economy and the current crises in the markets. It is a positive ad that makes no reference to John McCain -- though it does make indirect reference to some things people will asssociate with him -- and describes Obama's plans for improving the economy. It ends with a Web address where watchers can go to read more.

You can watch the ad and read a transcript of it at TPM. Key excerpts:

In the past few weeks, Wall Street's been rocked as banks closed and markets tumble. But for many of you -- the people I've met in town halls, backyards and diners across America -- our troubled economy isn't news.

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This isn't just a string of bad luck. The truth is that while you've been living up to your responsibilities Washington has not. That's why we need change. Real change.

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Here's what I believe we need to do. Reform our tax system to give a $1,000 tax break to the middle class instead of showering more on oil companies and corporations that outsource our jobs. End the "anything goes" culture on Wall Street with real regulation that protects your investments and pensions.

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Doing these things won't be easy. But we're Americans. We've met tough challenges before. And we can again.

Good ad, though I am not sure how many people will have the attention span to watch it.